On October 6, Governor Hogan joined the Regional Manufacturing Institute and the Maryland MEP on National Manufacturing Day for a special Maryland celebration to raise the profile of Maryland manufacturing at Martin’s West.

“This day presents a unique opportunity to connect the talented students coming out of Maryland’s leading universities and colleges with advanced manufacturers in our state,” said Governor Hogan. “We are excited about the manufacturing resurgence we are seeing here in Maryland, and we are proud of the innovation and creativity at work every single day among manufacturers in our great state!” The Governor toured the trade exhibits that were set up to showcase Maryland’s advanced technology expertise and the talented STEM-related clubs, programs and competitive teams coming out of Maryland’s colleges and universities.

The Governor was presented with a 3D-printed bust in his likeness, which was produced locally by Maryland manufacturers. The Governor said, “I want to thank the Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland, Direct Dimensions, Inc., and Xometry for the 3D-printed busts – they are incredible”

The event was organized to build relationships between the manufacturers and the students and many manufacturers were eager to assess the talent. The number one problem facing manufacturers nationwide is a skills shortage for today’s advanced manufacturing requirements. “students had an opportunity of a lifetime and were beaming at the end of the day” said Peggy Walton, Instructional Specialist, Electronics Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Engineering Technology at Anne Arundel Community College.”Many of them received resume requests, which we just happened to have on hand, and AACC was able to connect with many on the industrial side” she said.

“By every measure, the RMI/MEP Maryland Manufacturing Day event was successful in engaging university and college students with manufacturers, showcasing advanced technologies and bringing people together” said Mike Galiazzo, President of RMI. Governor Hogan visited almost every student and manufacturing exhibit, learning about the “technological face” of Maryland’s next generation manufacturing and Maryland’s future workforce. “This event drew almost 400 attendees and was one of the nation’s largest events of its type in the country,” said Galiazzo.